6 Stanford Athletes Charged in Attack on Gay-Themed Statue
Two Stanford University athletes were charged with felony vandalism and four others with misdemeanors for allegedly attacking a campus statue to protest its gay liberation theme.
The athletes were arrested May 16 after someone poured black paint on the bronze statue of two men and two women crafted by George Segal. The statue was also rammed with a bench. University officials said the damage totals at least $7,900.
The athletes charged with felonies could face a prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.
Hate crime charges could not be filed because the victim of the vandalism is an institution and not a person, said Santa Clara County Deputy Dist. Atty. Karyn Sinunu.
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